Even though I thought I was decided on the matter, certain people have encouraged me to rethink my justifications for abstaining from the vote. Although I do feel it is immoral to participate in a process that appoints a representative who can use force against you, Charles Johnson brought up an interesting counterargument:
Well, I think the problem here is that you're giving too much credit to the State's own legitimating myths. There are cases in which participating in a process means tacitly accepting the legitimacy of the proceeding, and tacitly consenting to the outcome. But voting, at least, is not among them. For participation to count as consent, even tacit consent, it must be the case that refusing to participate would have exempted you from the outcome. Otherwise, I can't see how the "permission" you give to the government by voting is any different from the "permission" you give a mugger to take your money instead of your life when you hand over your wallet.
That is a good point, although I argued that what matters was how my vote was perceived socially vis a vis my long term goal of abolishing the State. It also raises the question: how should I regard my participation if I do vote? I don't feel it's honest to say that I'm simply taking part in a meaningless ritual - clearly, it's important or I would not go out of my way to do it. I don't like the self-defense argument, because it still implies that I'm participating in a mechanism for oppression - whether or not my consent is given - and that betrays the sense of solidarity that I feel anarchists should embrace and promote.
However, I can't deny that this election is important. Allen is absolutely and totally unacceptable, and there's been worse politicians than Webb. Furthermore, I really think that voting against the marriage amendment to the Virginia constitution is not nearly as awful as voting for a politician. Honestly, I wish I had more time to turn these matters over in my head, and since there's only today I have to act, I'm leaning towards going to the polls.
What do you think I should do? If you read this blog, you know a lot of my principles and opinions. Given that, which is the best course for me to take? I wish I was better decided on this matter, and hate to throw these questions out like this, but I am interested in persuasive arguments.
- Abstain from the vote entirely.
- Vote only on the marriage amendment.
- Vote on both the amendment and the senate seat.
